If you want good and sane advice for traveling around remember two words: Pack light. In the essence of the minimalist, just bring what is needed. Most of the time, that’s just a change of clothes, some money and probably your camera since you’re going to assume the role of a tourist, after all.

Packing light will be a challenge for most people, especially those who are used to stuffing everything in their Samsonite except the kitchen sink. You should be aware that a good limit would be to carry 20 pounds in a carry-on-size bag. With a bag having the dimensions of 9" x 22" x 14", you’ll be able to hit the airport running after your flight arrives in your destination. You’ll easily enjoy the sweet pleasures of mobility.

Why would you want to pack light in the first place? First of all, if you’re a serious traveler, you’ll realize that you’ll walk with your luggage more than you think you will. Before you leave your town for a European destination, practice being a tourist for an hour by stuffing your bag. In order to see if you’re bringing too many things, bring around your fully loaded bag. You should be able to enjoy window-shopping. If you can’t, then go back home to take some things out and pack accordingly.

One of the advantages of carrying your own luggage when you’re a tourist is that things are less likely to get lost, broken or even stolen. Would you believe that there are some travelers who claim that airline employees have actually stolen items from checked luggage? This is probably one of the most important things on why it’s better to hand-carry your luggage. Should you have any last-minute changes in flight plans, things get so much simpler as you don’t have to double-check any of your luggages that could be in a cart? Plus, when you get to the airport, you get to be the first person the security dog sniffs out.

It’s very important to pack light and to pack smart. Only bring the essentials and really improvise with how you utilize your different supplies especially your clothes. If you’re going to be in a hotel, you’re going to have laundry services there anyway so why bother to bring your whole wardrobe? It’s very important for you to be able to understand the different benefits of packing light. Once you do, it’s going to be a better travel experience for you.